Based on parallax measurements obtained during the Hipparcos mission, it is approximately 690 light-years distant from the Sun.

[13] Beta Cephei bore the traditional name Alfirk, derived from the Arabic الفرقة al-firqah "the flock" (of sheep).

It is circumpolar throughout all of Europe, northern Asia, and North American cities as far south as Guadalajara in west central Mexico.

Beta Cephei is a visible star located within 5° of the precessional path traced across the celestial sphere by the Earth's North pole.

During the same period Iota Cephei will also be within 5° of the precessional path, on the other side so that both are in contention as pole stars, a title currently held by unambiguously by Polaris.

[3] Beta Cephei pulsates regularly every 4 hours 34 minutes, producing a variation in its visual brightness of 0.11 magnitudes.